A Talk by Mr. Anshuman Ruia

Mr. Shamit Vasa, Chairman of ECC has arranged the first event for the Economic Co-operation Council wing of IJA Mumbai i.e a talk by Mr. Anshuman Ruia on 22nd May 2025 at Essar House which was a grand success.

The presentations by Essar and networking opportunities were well appreciated by all. This event has given the audience good insights into the Green Energy Transition journey that Essar has embarked on and the achievements in this journey. Following the informative discussions the guests got more opportunity to network with Essar delegates including members of the Ruia family while enjoying the Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails hosted at their office.

There were 20 attendees most of whom were Japanese members from various Japanese Companies in Mumbai Trustees of IJA Mr. Suresh Kotak, Mr. Shaunak Thacker, IJA President Mr. Mehool N Bhuva, Vice President Mrs. Darshana Vasa, Treasurer Ms. Zinnal Patel, Mr. Prakash Lakhiani and Mr. Pratik Joshi attended this event.

Nature’s Rendezvous – A student learning Activity

On May 20, 2025, The Indo Japanese Association Mumbai in collaboration with Nature Forever Society, hosted Nature’s Rendezvous – A Student Learning Activity for the students and Teachers of the Japanese School of Mumbai, Powai at NIC Biodiversity Hotspot, Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), Mumbai.

Students were equipped with activity sheets featuring a variety of photographs of local biodiversity found within the hotspot. The task of the children of Japanese School of Mumbai was to observe and identify as many species as possible, marking them off on their sheets upon sighting.

Students embarked on an exciting Safari ride witnessing majestic Lions and Tigers close in their natural habitats. The event offered young learners a unique opportunity to connect with nature and understand their role in protecting it. This enriching day brought together 48 participants, including 35 children & 11 teachers of the School who were accompanied by IJA staff Mr. Pratik Joshi along with Ms. Rutika Paradkar from the Nature Forever Society.

Heritage Walk

The Indo Japanese Association Mumbai arranged a guided Mumbai Heritage walk for native Japanese on Sunday , 16th March 2025. Around 30 Japanese members (including adults & kids) participated in the walk from Cst Selfie point covering places of South Mumbai such as Horniman Circle garden, Asiatic Library, Flora Fountain monument and Gateway of India. All Japanese guests were accompanied by Interpreter Mr. Mayank Dalvi and Mr. Pratik Joshi from IJA office.

Japan cultural Festival III

The Indo Japanese Association Mumbai organized two days of Japan cultural Festival III 18th and 19th January from 10.45 am to 6.00 pm at the World Trade Centre (South Lounge). Consul General of Japan Mr. Yagi Koji was Chief guest along with special Invitees & dignitaries such as Shri Vijay Kalantri (Chairman of World Trade Centre), Mr. Jun Kamiya (Director , Mitsui & Co), Mr. Hiroyuki Kitamura (Director General, Jetro), Ms. Megumi Hamuru (Consul, Culture & information, Consulate of Japan in Mumbai), Mr. Mehool N Bhuva, (President of IJA Mumbai) and Ms. Akruti Bagwe (Director, WTC Mumbai).

This is one of the biggest festival conducted by IJA bringing Japanese culture, food and products closer to India. At the festival there were live performances by Japanese performers such as Kathak dance by Ms. Hiroko Sarah along with her musical performance with Mr. Ibex, Violin musical solo performance by Ms. Mika Nishimura, Cosplay show by Mage Coven group, Storytelling Actor Mrs. Anita Salim. Visitors came to see demonstrations of various Japanese martial arts such as Judo, Karate and Aikido.

There were live demonstrations showcasing various Japanese arts such as Ikebana (Art of flower arrangement), Bonsai (Art of tree miniatures), Origami (Art of paper folding) and Sumi E Paintings (Japanese Art of painting with black ink), Yukata wearing demonstration were shown by Ms. Sarita Sundaram and her students.

The companies who participated in the event were Main Dish in, Omiyage, Kuuraku, Formula Group, KAI India, Yokohama City, Koshiki Karatedo, I Love Japan etc. There were displays of books, Masala Tea and displays of various products by other participants.

Visitors enjoyed Japanese food and purchased their favourite products from all the booths. This was the bustling Japan festival organized by Indo Japanese Association Mumbai which was a perfect platform for people who are looking forward to connecting, engaging and tie up with the right people in business, education and government. This event is a significant step toward bringing people from both countries together to discuss and exchange views. The festival was attended by local people, students, teachers, corporate members and all those who are connected to the association. It was a grand success and people enjoyed the first ever Japan Festival.

Cooking Demo and Lunch event

The Indo Japanese Association Mumbai conducted the now very popular Cooking demo and lunch event at Sun N Sand Hotel on Sunday 1st September 2024. Guests arrived at the venue one after the other in small groups and assembled in the Jubilee room with a lot of enthusiasm and interest to watch every step of the expert chef preparing delicacies. Chef of the Consul General Mr Sekiguchi was special invitee for the event. Our Interpreter Mrs. Chitra Khandekar translated the cooking recipe line by line in Japanese. Cooking competition was arranged from 12.00 pm to 12.30 pm and Japanese members tried their hands to prepare butter chicken and saag Paneer. The winning group was selected by the Chef of Sun N Sand Hotel and Chef of the Consul General Mr. Sekiguchi. The Ist winning group were given Vouchers with 25% discount on Sunday brunch Buffet by the Chef of Sun N Sand Hotel. Around 50 native Japanese members attended the event with family and children and enjoyed the food and drinks. From IJA Committee, Mr Mehool N Bhuva, Mrs Darshana Vasa along with Mr. Shamit Vasa, Ms Sarita Sundaram and Mrs. Chitra Khandekar attended the event. The event was a grand success.

R. G Saraiya Japanese Speech Contest

On 28th September 2024, the Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai and the Indo Japanese Association Mumbai jointly co hosted the 44th R. G Saraiya Memorial Mumbai District Japanese Language Speech Contest. Many students studying Japanese language in the Speech Contest which was held in three categories of elementary, junior and senior level. Judges expressed that as compared to last year, this year's performance had really improved. The R.G Saraiya Trophy winner was Ms Charuta Datar. The Contest was judged by Consul General Mr. Yagi Koji, Mr Hideo Deguchi, Vice Principal of Japanese School of Mumbai, Mr. Nobumitsu Miyairi, Vice President of the Japanese Association of Mumbai and mr. Kuroda, Japanese Language Advisor of Japan Foundation.

The winners from the junior and senior level of this Speech Contest will participate in the West Zone Japanese Language Speech Contest in Pune.

Sumi E Painting workshop at Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

The Indo Japanese Association Mumbai in collaboration with CSVMS (Museum) organized a Sumi E Painting workshop for children at Premchand Roychand Gallery on 5th June, 2024. Mrs. Shama Devare gave a demonstration of Sumi E Painting. All enthusiastic participants learned to create expressive artwork using simple brush strokes.

Farewell to Consul General Dr.Yasukata Fukahori

The Indo Japanese Association Mumbai had organized a farewell to His Excellency Hon'ble Consul General of Japan in Mumbai Dr. Yasukata Fukahori on 14th March, 2025 at Radio Room, Radio Club, Colaba Mumbai. All IJA Trustees and Managing Council Members, members of Japanese Association and Consulate of Japan in Mumbai attended the farewell party.